LOS ANGELES – The newly released American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2018 report shows California leads the nation, earning strong grades for its tobacco control policies. The 16th annual report grades states and the federal government on policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. California’s grades improved to the best in the nation thanks to strong policies across the state and the enactment of the new tobacco tax increase approved by voters.

“This year, California began reaping the financial and health benefits of an increased tobacco tax,” Mark Johnson, board c...